Tsismis: Latest gossip from the Pinoy world

 Rumour Has It

TV host and actress Pauleen Luna is going through perhaps one of the most difficult times in her life. She is being linked to comedian Vic Sotto (right), one of the most desired bachelors in the business, and is being accused of hooking up with the box office king only for money. Here she tells tabloid! her side of the story.

You've been out of Eat Bulaga for close to a month. People think you've quit to stop all the rumours about you and Vic.

I didn't quit and I will never leave the show unless I was told by the producers. I had a bike accident and needed two weeks to recuperate. I can't even talk much because of the painful stitches on my lips. Besides, I haven't confirmed anything about Vic [one of the main hosts of the show] so there is nothing to feel awkward about.

Are you ready to say something about it?

I'd rather keep quiet about the issue. What is important is I know what is going on and I am happy with it. There is no need to tell everybody about what is going on because people will always have a say. What matters is what I know, and what my friends say about me.

You've been accused of being a gold digger. How do you feel?

It's insulting and very painful. It's not like we're well off, but my parents can provide for all my needs and brought me up in a way that I treasure the value of hard work. Whatever I am enjoying now is because of my earnings, not someone else's. To those who keep insinuating things, say what you will.

Tweets of Vic's son, Oyo Boy, are not very flattering. What can you say about that?

I have no comment. I haven't read anything and I've deactivated my BBM and have not logged on to my Twitter account. It's better that way. I just wish people would stop saying the hurtful things. They don't know anything.

Wouldn't it be better to just come out with a confirmation and get on with it?

Would be, but there is nothing to confirm. And when there is, at the right time and circumstances, why not?

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Bravo Busong

Aureaus Solito's indie film Busong earned the nod of a Wall Street Journal film critic as one of the most notable Asian films for 2011. The film was cited by critic Dean Napolitano for being "big on impact", despite having a meagre budget. Solito's inspiration for the mystical elements of the film was drawn from his own tribal origins — his maternal family belongs to an indigenous tribe in Palawan, a province south of Manila. Last year, the film was screened at the Cannes film festival and at the Cinemalaya Film Festival in Manila. It also won the Tomorrow's Cinema Award at the 38th Brussels International Independent Film Festival in Belgium.

Rivera on a roll

Superstar Marian Rivera affirmed her status as Philippine TV's primetime queen when her epic series Amaya ended on top of the ratings last week. The show was in an equally epic battle for ratings supremacy with Munting Heredera, starring veteran actress Gloria Romero. Rivera will be taking a quick break in Singapore and will be back shooting for next series, My Beloved, with real life partner Dingdong Dantes. Asked to confirm a rumour saying she will soon shoot a film with primetime queen and alleged rival Angel Locsin, Rivera said she's happy to work with anybody.

Eyes on Kim

Upcoming actor Xian Lim has set his eyes on Kim Chiu, his co-star in My Binondo Girl. So smitten is he with his leading lady that he even serenaded the actress while on a break from the taping of their show. The actor invited a choir to come to the set to sing Christmas carols and some love songs. "I just want to make her feel special," he said.

Are you ready?

Toni Gonzaga and Sam Milby will be performing in Dubai on January 27 in 2011's first big Pinoy event. Alex Gonzaga will join them for the concert at Dubai Festival City, and local Filipino talents will also perform at the event, which starts at 8pm. For tickets, priced Dh75 and Dh250 for VIP, visit chiefbevents.com.